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The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has decided to remove certain products and services from their Procurement List. This means items like paper bowls from The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc. and services like medical transcription and switchboard operations, often provided by nonprofit agencies, can now be sourced from other suppliers. The removal is effective from May 11, 2025, and is not expected to heavily impact small businesses. This decision allows more variety in who can supply these products and services to government agencies.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule revising the fee structure for Section 8e import inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Inspections will now be charged on a per-pound basis instead of a per-carlot basis, with a significant reduction in additional sublot fees by 50%. This change aims to better reflect the actual inspection costs and reduce financial impact on smaller shipments. The rule is expected to result in equal or lower fees for about 77% of the inspections conducted over recent years and is designed to avoid disproportionately burdening small businesses.

The Coast Guard is proposing a new rule to change how often the Blackburn Point Bridge in Osprey, Florida, opens during busy weekday traffic. The goal is to reduce road congestion by limiting the bridge openings to three times an hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays while allowing on-demand openings at other times. The rule has received mixed feedback from the public, and the Coast Guard is inviting comments until February 7, 2025. This proposal aims to improve traffic flow while still allowing safe navigation for boats.

The Department of State has issued a final rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), specifically adjusting the fees required for registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). The updated rule increases the registration fees for the first time in fifteen years, necessary to cover rising operational costs and prevent budget deficits. Responses to public comments were considered, particularly concerning the impact on small businesses, leading to the introduction of a discounted fee for qualifying Tier 1 registrants. The changes aim to maintain DDTC operations while ensuring fair distribution of costs among registrants.

FMCSA, part of the Department of Transportation, has extended the compliance deadline for certain parts of the "Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility" rule from January 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026. This extension gives brokers, freight forwarders, and others additional time to prepare for and use a new online registration system that isn't expected to be ready until 2025. Despite opposition from some groups who argue the delay is excessive, FMCSA claims the extension will aid in a smoother transition and provide time for training. The final rule aims to enhance the tracking of financial responsibilities and streamline administrative processes related to broker and freight forwarder operations.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have introduced proposed regulations impacting corporations that consolidate their federal income tax returns. These changes aim to provide clarity on how the transfer of liabilities between members of a consolidated group affects the basis in stock during such transfers. Comments on these proposals must be received by March 31, 2025, and a public hearing will be held if requested. The document outlines that the proposed regulations will not impose significant burdens on small businesses and do not include any federal mandates that would lead to substantial costs.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants related to brick and clay manufacturing to determine if the regulations should be changed or kept the same. This review is part of a process required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which ensures that rules do not unfairly impact small businesses. The EPA is asking for public comments on the rules, especially about how they could be improved or if there are issues with them overlapping with other laws. People can submit their comments until May 30, 2025.

The U.S. Copyright Office is conducting an inquiry into performance rights organizations (PROs) and how they distribute licensing revenue, especially with an increase in the number of such organizations. This investigation was requested by Congress to understand challenges related to the growing number of PROs and their impact on businesses that use music publicly, such as bars and restaurants. The inquiry aims to gather public comments on several issues, including the formation of new PROs, the cost implications for businesses, and how royalties are distributed among artists and publishers. Congress is looking for suggestions on improving the system to ensure fair and efficient distribution of licensing revenue.